The Liebster Award :)

The blog is thoughtfully written and, like the title suggests, blends positivity with the struggle of reality. She really is a beautiful and thought-provoking writer.

My blogging journey is perhaps a little different than most. My grandmother kept talking about her journals and asking where in the house her old ones were so I found them. Then I asked if I could read them, if she wanted me to transcribe and share them, and if I could write about the experience that was unfolding around me and she said yes to it all. So I began this blog to process, to share, and to, perhaps a wee bit of exaggeration going on here?, immortalize her story and the story of our sharing. I have been blown away by the support I’ve gotten from other bloggers since. I cherish not just that people love reading this but that they are sharing their profound and sensitive insights. It means a lot.

**Disclaimer. This awarding system seems a little bit like modern day chain letters so I tried to be cautious about who I passed the award onto. Some blogs are “Award free blogs” and I see why – this is a lot of work! But because I have been so supported on this journey, I’d love nothing more to give some props and some exposer to other cool blogs out there. There were several more I would have put up here but was requested not to. 🙂

I’ve been told to provide 10 facts about me:

I’ve taught in the “inner city” for 10 years. 6 teaching ELA and 4 teaching Theatre.

I am a ferocious defender of my students against people who do not understand inner city kids or teens in general. I fight to help them earn respect, understanding and appreciation. I also know that they do that beautifully for themselves and don’t need my help. However, starting sentences with phrases like “Kids these days…” or “Their parents should/don’t…” aren’t going to go over real well with me.

I began telling my current students today that I’m taking a leave of absence. It is being a really hard day.

I feel like I’m wearing a wool suit if I haven’t been writing. I don’t feel comfortable in my own skin if it’s been too long between scribbled poems, posts, novel writing, or idea sketching.

Stephen King was one of the first authors I read – starting in middle school – and one of the few I read now. He is a major influence to my writing.

Several years ago my husband got me a lego set to build. He knew to get me an animal set, not a car or a building, so I began my obsession with an angler fish. So cool! Still my fav set. My husband watched as I took about an hour to build it. My ADD cure! I didn’t get distracted once, didn’t start a new task in the middle, didn’t even get up from my seat. I’ve been hooked ever since.

I have a cat. She is my baby. Her name is Oy.

I love all things Whedon but especially Firefly.

I love Shakespeare. So yes, I loved Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing. Brilliant.

I hate being in my 30s. I barely remember that I am and when I allow reality in, I don’t like the facts.